Family Hikes

Adirondack Great Walks and Day Hikes for Families

Some of the best hiking in the Adirondack Region is found off the beaten path - outside of the area known as the High Peaks Wilderness. The six-million-acre Adirondack Park boasts over 2,000 miles of hiking trails that cater to a wide range of abilities - from universally accessible nature paths to mountain climbing routes. From easy to difficult, find a hike that fits your family's skill level. Download our FREE Adirondack Great Walks & Day Hikes brochure, which will provide "a guide to path's less taken in the Northeast's last great wilderness."

Whether traveling from the summit of Mt. Marcy (New York's highest peak) or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the woods - get outside and enjoy a day of hiking in the Adirondacks with your family and friends.

Featured Adirondack Family Hikes

Easy:

Heritage Trail in Plattsburgh offers several routes through the city with stops at historic sites. This "city hiking" route also travels along the Saranac River, offering easy access to Adirondack restaurants and shops, with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Buttermilk Falls in Long Lake is a 0.3 RT trek into a series of cascades on the Raquette River that drop to 40 feet. A small parking area at the trailhead on North Point Road offers picnic tables and fireplaces.

Copperas Pond in Wilmington is a 4-mile round trip hike into three ponds, including Owen and Winch. Enjoy multiple hiking trails and swimming. A lean-to area is located on Copperas Pond for overnight camping or an afternoon of relaxing.

Moderate:

Whetstone Gulf State Park in the Adirondacks Tug Hill Plateau is a 5.6-mile loop that travels along the three-mile gorge. Cut into the eastern edge of the Plateau, the gorge offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in the Adirondack Park.

Mt. Baker in Saranac Lake is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that offers incredible views of the High Peaks and Saranac Lakes Chain. This short, but sometimes steep hike provides a great picnic spot along rocky ledges at the summit.

Wolf Lake Hike in the Adirondack Seaway Region, this moderate 5 mile-loop winds around rocky outcrops and leads to a series of picturesque lakes. Lean-tos area located along the route, which ends at a 40-foot bluff overlooking Huckleberry Lake.

Difficult:

Blue Mountain in Blue Mountain Lake is a four-mile round-trip trek. Enjoy spectacular summit views of the surrounding mountains and lake. One of the last operating fire towers in the Adirondacks sits atop the summit. Each August, an interpretive guide will be on the summit to greet hikers and provide more information about fire towers and the forest preserve.

Black Mountain in Lake George is a 5.6-mile round-trip hike offering some of the most spectacular vistas in the southern Adirondacks. At the summit, you will find a ranger's cabin, antenna tower and a power generating windmill. Glimpse Round and Lapland Ponds, and enjoy pristine views of the surrounding wilderness.

Algonquin Mountain in Lake Placid is the second highest peak in New York State. The 8.6 round-trip trek offers a moderate-to-difficult climb and a summit elevation of 5,114 feet. Mid-way along the trail, you'll find a waterfall clearing perfect for resting or picnicking.